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King Maker
Faced with ruling families on the brink of war and a people who despise him for his deformity, Riddin Khad, the last prince of Mordkin, must fight to maintain peace in his city with the only tool his Dwarven brethren respect. Violence.
Riddin Khad wasn’t meant to survive childbirth.
Born with a deformity in a Dwarven society that only values strength and power, Riddin must rely upon his intelligence to make up for his lack of both, but no matter how hard he tries to be a good prince to his people, he has earned nothing but their disdain.
Now, amidst Mordkin’s three ruling families, a fourth name one that threatens the tenuous peace that has held for two hundred years. Riddin will use his name, his intellect, and the promise of his inheritance to try uniting the very people who despise him before war floods the streets of his city with fire and blood.
It will not be enough.
If Riddin Khad wants the power to save his city, he will have to take it.
Riddin Khad wasn’t meant to survive childbirth.
Born with a deformity in a Dwarven society that only values strength and power, Riddin must rely upon his intelligence to make up for his lack of both, but no matter how hard he tries to be a good prince to his people, he has earned nothing but their disdain.
Now, amidst Mordkin’s three ruling families, a fourth name one that threatens the tenuous peace that has held for two hundred years. Riddin will use his name, his intellect, and the promise of his inheritance to try uniting the very people who despise him before war floods the streets of his city with fire and blood.
It will not be enough.
If Riddin Khad wants the power to save his city, he will have to take it.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2025
About the author
Quain Holtey
2 books2 followersQuain has been writing books since before he could read.
No, really. Pages of scribbles in various sizes that told stories no one else could hope to understand. But that didn’t stop him from trying to get his family, friends, teachers, and anyone else within his tiny toddler reach to read them.
Since then, he’s learned how to read and write, and the rest is history.
Quain has a bachelor’s in creative writing and a master’s in game design, both from Full Sail University, and is a professional game writer by day. By night (and often very, very, very early morning) he dons his cape, whips out his laptop, and writes fantasy and science fiction.
His novella, King Maker, is his first published book.
No, really. Pages of scribbles in various sizes that told stories no one else could hope to understand. But that didn’t stop him from trying to get his family, friends, teachers, and anyone else within his tiny toddler reach to read them.
Since then, he’s learned how to read and write, and the rest is history.
Quain has a bachelor’s in creative writing and a master’s in game design, both from Full Sail University, and is a professional game writer by day. By night (and often very, very, very early morning) he dons his cape, whips out his laptop, and writes fantasy and science fiction.
His novella, King Maker, is his first published book.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 14, 2026
Spoilers below.
•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
-- Section 1--
In the beginning of King Maker, we are introduced to the city of Mordkin and our protagonist, Riddin. We learn about the three different quelving families: Khad, Durza, and Prazed, and how great of a divide there is between them. The writing style of this section feels enchanted, focusing on how the city feels and offers a bit of mystery at a good pace.
This brings me to my first gripe: there are no chapters. This detail, although stylistic, makes King Maker less digestible despite the many page breaks that serve as natural stopping points in the story.
One thing that King Maker does well is take its time to explain the details of the weapons featured. When I first learned there were guns in this universe, I was a caught off guard and wondering how they worked. In this section, there are good descriptions of the warhammer, daggars, and the gun.
-- Section 2 --
In this section, one main question jumps out at me. If guns exist in this world, why would the King not have one? Unless Riddin's gun was one-of-a-kind, it would make sense that others would have this power as well. No matter how much elektrum you infuse into your claymore, the gun will win everytime.
-- Section 3 --
Despite the repeating scenery, the author does a good job guiding the reader through the tunnels without losing them in the process. The conversation in this section is well paced and a great way to introduce the reader to the new ideas it presents.
-- Section 4 --
In this section, we are introduced to some more exposition that help the reader understand better the backstory and goal of Riddin. Unanswered questions were answered and the exposition was described beautifully. The pacing of the battle scene was done well.
Christ above = Krest below. Heh, clever!
-- Section 5 --
There is one main gripe I have with this section. After traveling back to Orin's workshop, Riddin claims there "still is time." How could that be if the Tharkar are travelling the same distance into Mordkin? Wouldn't the Tharkar already be there? If they set out after, how would Riddin have known that if Aezik carried him back?
-- Section 6 --
Without spoiling what happens, the author does a good job directing and maintaining our attention in this section.
-- Section 7 --
This section provided introspection that was helpful to Riddin's character, but although we got some additional information that helped answer a question I still had, we learned hardly anything new. No revelation, just reinforcement for ideas and idealogies we already knew.
-- Section 8 --
Great discovery.
•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Unanswered Questions:
• Why were the sirens blaring in the first section?
• Why did Roan Khad abandon Anezendir?
• Why did Death save Riddin?
•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
-- Section 1--
In the beginning of King Maker, we are introduced to the city of Mordkin and our protagonist, Riddin. We learn about the three different quelving families: Khad, Durza, and Prazed, and how great of a divide there is between them. The writing style of this section feels enchanted, focusing on how the city feels and offers a bit of mystery at a good pace.
This brings me to my first gripe: there are no chapters. This detail, although stylistic, makes King Maker less digestible despite the many page breaks that serve as natural stopping points in the story.
One thing that King Maker does well is take its time to explain the details of the weapons featured. When I first learned there were guns in this universe, I was a caught off guard and wondering how they worked. In this section, there are good descriptions of the warhammer, daggars, and the gun.
-- Section 2 --
In this section, one main question jumps out at me. If guns exist in this world, why would the King not have one? Unless Riddin's gun was one-of-a-kind, it would make sense that others would have this power as well. No matter how much elektrum you infuse into your claymore, the gun will win everytime.
-- Section 3 --
Despite the repeating scenery, the author does a good job guiding the reader through the tunnels without losing them in the process. The conversation in this section is well paced and a great way to introduce the reader to the new ideas it presents.
-- Section 4 --
In this section, we are introduced to some more exposition that help the reader understand better the backstory and goal of Riddin. Unanswered questions were answered and the exposition was described beautifully. The pacing of the battle scene was done well.
Christ above = Krest below. Heh, clever!
-- Section 5 --
There is one main gripe I have with this section. After traveling back to Orin's workshop, Riddin claims there "still is time." How could that be if the Tharkar are travelling the same distance into Mordkin? Wouldn't the Tharkar already be there? If they set out after, how would Riddin have known that if Aezik carried him back?
-- Section 6 --
Without spoiling what happens, the author does a good job directing and maintaining our attention in this section.
-- Section 7 --
This section provided introspection that was helpful to Riddin's character, but although we got some additional information that helped answer a question I still had, we learned hardly anything new. No revelation, just reinforcement for ideas and idealogies we already knew.
-- Section 8 --
Great discovery.
•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•
Unanswered Questions:
• Why were the sirens blaring in the first section?
• Why did Roan Khad abandon Anezendir?
• Why did Death save Riddin?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
King Maker is a tale of dwarves, greed, and war that anyone with a taste for fantasy will enjoy, but it's more than JUST that. Behind a rich and well-realized fantasy setting is a story of family drama, of outcasts and solidarity, of good intentions and the terrifying momentum of violence and vengeance.
I'm writing a spoiler-free review here, so I won't get into specifics, but the protagonist Riddin's journey through this story never goes where you expect it to. While there's all the hallmarks and aesthetics of a traditional fantasy story, King Maker has its own priorities, and puts its characters in surprising and interesting situations that kept me glued to the page. Of course, those characters are in themselves compelling and realized outside of the things that happen TO them. The author notes that the story was originally inspired by gangster/mobster stories, and that emphasis on complex characters who are constrained by cultural/societal lines really shines through. When I think "dwarves," my mind goes to cozier thoughts of lively taverns and red cheeks. King Maker is an intense story with mature themes and some intense violence - not quite what I'd expect from a story about dwarves - but this overall vibe is part of the story's unique experience. The "fantasy" genre isn't a genre here, but rather a palette that a different kind of story is painted in.
The pacing of the story is brisk but not rushed, and it's a substantial but non-intimidating read. Personally I find this kind of writing in a fantasy setting to be refreshing. King Maker is still a rich experience with an imaginative, realized world, but the author gives us just what we need for this particular story. That's a hard balance to strike when writing fantasy, but King Maker chooses to put its characters first, and it's all the better for it.
I highly recommend you give this one a read!
I'm writing a spoiler-free review here, so I won't get into specifics, but the protagonist Riddin's journey through this story never goes where you expect it to. While there's all the hallmarks and aesthetics of a traditional fantasy story, King Maker has its own priorities, and puts its characters in surprising and interesting situations that kept me glued to the page. Of course, those characters are in themselves compelling and realized outside of the things that happen TO them. The author notes that the story was originally inspired by gangster/mobster stories, and that emphasis on complex characters who are constrained by cultural/societal lines really shines through. When I think "dwarves," my mind goes to cozier thoughts of lively taverns and red cheeks. King Maker is an intense story with mature themes and some intense violence - not quite what I'd expect from a story about dwarves - but this overall vibe is part of the story's unique experience. The "fantasy" genre isn't a genre here, but rather a palette that a different kind of story is painted in.
The pacing of the story is brisk but not rushed, and it's a substantial but non-intimidating read. Personally I find this kind of writing in a fantasy setting to be refreshing. King Maker is still a rich experience with an imaginative, realized world, but the author gives us just what we need for this particular story. That's a hard balance to strike when writing fantasy, but King Maker chooses to put its characters first, and it's all the better for it.
I highly recommend you give this one a read!
September 17, 2025
"War has given me an heir worthy of my throne. War is a king maker!"
How can a krevtish like Riddin possibly leave his mark on a world that pays him no second thought? This story explores the themes of rejection, familial estrangement, friendship, and ascension, in a world teaming with thoughtful imagery.
The authors note leads with the world of Mordkin having been inspired by the vast city of Erebor, the kingdom under the mountain, which gives a strong underlying foundation that is continually built upon throughout the story. From the strong fortress of Khad Rock, the teaming star-ceilinged cross-roads of Tri-Street, or the billowing lake of sand and magma that are the plains of Mordkin, Holtey painted a world that was distinct and easy to imagine while following Riddin's journey.
The evolution of Riddin's mentality and aspirations for peace directly correlate with the evolution of his inventions meant to bring peace, being used as a strength for war. Peacemaker coming into form as Kingmaker at the end of the book is a testament to how he views himself and his place in the world - in his journey to find peace for his people (and himself), he inevitably needed to steal the power to make peace from those around him.
Definitely enjoyed this read - was easy to digest in a single sitting. All the characters were distinct and easy to differentiate through their actions and dialogue. Highly recommend and appreciate the insight into the authors process with both the foreword/afterword and additional first draft of the story at the end.
How can a krevtish like Riddin possibly leave his mark on a world that pays him no second thought? This story explores the themes of rejection, familial estrangement, friendship, and ascension, in a world teaming with thoughtful imagery.
The authors note leads with the world of Mordkin having been inspired by the vast city of Erebor, the kingdom under the mountain, which gives a strong underlying foundation that is continually built upon throughout the story. From the strong fortress of Khad Rock, the teaming star-ceilinged cross-roads of Tri-Street, or the billowing lake of sand and magma that are the plains of Mordkin, Holtey painted a world that was distinct and easy to imagine while following Riddin's journey.
The evolution of Riddin's mentality and aspirations for peace directly correlate with the evolution of his inventions meant to bring peace, being used as a strength for war. Peacemaker coming into form as Kingmaker at the end of the book is a testament to how he views himself and his place in the world - in his journey to find peace for his people (and himself), he inevitably needed to steal the power to make peace from those around him.
Definitely enjoyed this read - was easy to digest in a single sitting. All the characters were distinct and easy to differentiate through their actions and dialogue. Highly recommend and appreciate the insight into the authors process with both the foreword/afterword and additional first draft of the story at the end.
September 22, 2025
What is it like going against everything you're born to be? Following Riddin through the most intense few hours of his life had me at the edge of my chair. While on the shorter end, it perfectly captures the deep personalities of the characters and the world they inhabit that we're allowed to glimpse for a few moments.
Do I wish it was longer? Yes.
Do I think the ending was perfect? Also yes.
Seeing how it all started in the first draft and how it ended with the final story was amazing to experience, and really showed just how drastic things can change as you understand the characters better. Safe to say, I very much enjoyed how Riddin and his closest ones changed into the dwarves they are now.
Do I wish it was longer? Yes.
Do I think the ending was perfect? Also yes.
Seeing how it all started in the first draft and how it ended with the final story was amazing to experience, and really showed just how drastic things can change as you understand the characters better. Safe to say, I very much enjoyed how Riddin and his closest ones changed into the dwarves they are now.
December 26, 2025
A charming novella that tackles a familiar yet unique take on Dwarves. Our protagonist is Riddin Khad, a disabled dwarf who constantly runs into conflict with the overly limited mindsets of his countrymen in the heavily sectarian Dwarven society of Mordkin. The action comes fast and never slows down as Riddin is thrown from one side of Mordkin to the other as each encounter after the other escalates the stakes. In many ways I am reminded of the Lebanese Civil War with the mafia-boss like nature of the dwarf families and the deeply sectarian nature of the conflict within the story.
I only wish this book was longer with how much I enjoyed it.
I only wish this book was longer with how much I enjoyed it.
August 22, 2025
This is a short novel about a dwarf looking for peace is a naturally violent world.
The book was easy to read in one sitting. The characters are likeable (or aggravating in some cases) and memorable. The world is not necessarily unique but fits the story and feels natural.
The author included his 1st draft of the story at the end of the book which was very cool to read. It was wild to see where the story started after reading the finished product.
The book was easy to read in one sitting. The characters are likeable (or aggravating in some cases) and memorable. The world is not necessarily unique but fits the story and feels natural.
The author included his 1st draft of the story at the end of the book which was very cool to read. It was wild to see where the story started after reading the finished product.
May 6, 2026
This was a day one purchase for me. A unique take on dwarves? Immediate positivity.
From start until finish I was invested in the book and Riddin's story. Constant action, the highs and lows of Riddin, and his eventual growth by the end of the novel.
Every story that grabs my attention I wish was longer, but the ending isn't something I would change. It's hard to wish for more while wanting perfection to stay the same. Definitely a fantastic read that everyone should try!
From start until finish I was invested in the book and Riddin's story. Constant action, the highs and lows of Riddin, and his eventual growth by the end of the novel.
Every story that grabs my attention I wish was longer, but the ending isn't something I would change. It's hard to wish for more while wanting perfection to stay the same. Definitely a fantastic read that everyone should try!
May 11, 2026
Quain is a fantastic writer with a knack for description that pulls you into the world he builds with each page. His stories are incredibly imaginative, and his characters pique a natural curiosity to keep reading and learn more about them. King Maker is a satisfying and quick read for those that enjoy high fantasy.
February 3, 2026
Short and sweet Dwarven fantasy about a disabled Prince who gets caught up in a political uprising. Fun magic system (mined ore and crystals have special properties). Cool weapons and side characters. I wish it was longer, but overall I was satisfied with how it ended.
May 8, 2026
This was a fun read. The world is interesting and the characters are realistic. It's a fun, fast and interesting short tale that's easy to digest in a single session. Looking forward to seeing more in this universe.
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October 16, 2025LOVE it! I need to know everything about Azeik and what happens next!
March 22, 2026
Such a great book! My husband and I read it together in 2 sittings. It was so good & such a page turner. We couldn’t put it down! So ready for another one!!
May 6, 2026
A must read!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews